James Nesbitt will join Rory McIlroy at a special fundraising event for the golfer's charitable foundation ahead of the Irish Open in May.

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will also join the Northern Ireland pair for the evening, which it is hoped will help raise up to €500,000 for the Rory Foundation.

The organisation yesterday revealed that three children's charities would share in a windfall generated from revenue from the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which takes place at the K Club in Co Kildare between May 19 and May 22.

The charities, located close to the illustrious country club, include Barretstown, which offers medically supported camping for seriously ill children, the Jack and Jill Foundation for children with disabilities, and the LauraLynn Children's Hospice.

Each charity will channel the funds into specific projects to benefit young people and their families.

Two days before the tournament kicks off, on Tuesday May 17, big-hearted Rory will host an evening with Sir Alex Ferguson at Dublin's Convention Centre to raise funds for his foundation, in a gig also being filmed for a Sky TV special.

Award-winning actor James Nesbitt, famed for roles in productions including Lucky Man, the Hobbit movies and The Missing, will play host for the evening.

The children's charities will receive a portion of the night's proceeds from merchandise - Rory's dog driver head cover will go on sale at the tournament's tented village - and tickets sales to the Open.

Rory said the recipients were "very worthy charities all based close to The K Club".

"To give a little something back is very important to me, especially when I can offer support to help children and their families," he added.

The Rory Foundation already supports Daisy Lodge in Co Down, an organisation for children suffering from cancer and other serious illness, and which received a £1m boost from the golfer's charity in 2014.

Tickets can be purchased from www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com, from roryfoundation.com and at www.aneveningwithrory.com